Can an ecommerce website remain open on Shabbat?

Question

This question is more general and doesn't apply specifically to ecommerce sites even though the discussion mentions them a little.

Specifically, we know we can't do business on Shabbat. So what is the action on the part of the user and on the part of the owner that is considered "doing business"? Certainly that would be forbidden?

And if, for example, it's when the money becomes available, why doesn't that forbid me from doing business in the days leading up to Shabbat (depending on how long it takes the funds to become available)?

Answer 1

With regards to internet websites on shabbos, there are two sides to be lenient:

1. http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/halacha/Issue7.pdf mentions that one can keep a vending machine open on shabbos, because the pay one is getting is paid "Behavlaah" (Though I don't understand why, unless we're dealing with a contractor).
2. When one buys and sells through the internet, the transaction isn't finalized for a few days. Moreover, then it isn't "Schar Shabbos" because the work that one is getting paid for took place before Shabbos.

Also look up http://www.thefoundationstone.org/en/beitmidrash/general/4191-businessnon-shabbos-a-yom-tov-part-iii.html for a more complete discussion.

Answer 2

This is addressed from various angles by Rabbi Alfred Cohen in "Internet Commerce on Shabbat", Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society, volume L (Fall 2005), pages 38–61.